Veneer branding or printing press.



0. O. PENLASON.

VENEER BRANDING OR PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 21, 1908.

- Patented Nov. 11, 1913.

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O. G. FENLASON.

VENEER BRANDING QR PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 21, 1908.

1,78,490. Patented Nov. 11, 1913.

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O. O. FENLASON. VENEER BRANDING OR PRINTING PRESS APPLICATION FILED FEB. 21, 1908.

Patented NOV. 11, 1913.

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VENEER BRANDING 0R PRINTING mass.

. APPLIGAIION FILED FEB. 21, 1908. 1,078,490. Patented Nov. 11,1913.

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VENEER BRANDING 0R PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 21, 1908. Patented Nov. 11, 1913.

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WWII/[7W COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH CO \VASHINGTDN D C- III m.Wmmmmm IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE) II/I/I/III III/I/I/I/I/I/Z/ IIIIIIIIIIIIII'II 0. G. FENLASON. VENEER BRANDING OR PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 21, 1908.7 1,078,490, Patented Nov. 11,1913.

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GRIN C. FENLASON, OF HOQUIAIVI, WASHINGTON.

VENEER BBANIDING OR PRINTING PRESS.

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To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, ORIN O. Fnnnason, a citizen of the United States, residing at Hoquiam, in the county of Chehalis and State of Washington, have invented a new and useful Veneer Branding or Printing and to the impossibility of obtaining an ink,

which, when applied to green wood taken from western forests, will not be affected by the acid in the wood and caused to run, thereby defacing the impression in such a way as to render it practically impossible to read the same. In the manufacture of cone mon packing boxes, which are usually branded with ink presses, the method of handling the material is different. The lumber is always piled up in a yard to dry, or put through a drying-kiln in order to reduce the weight of the lumber to save the freight, and also to prevent the lumber from warping and checking. Thus, when the material is ready for branding, the ink presses work on it very successfully,

l-leretofore there has been comparatively little demand from fruit packers for printing or branding the packages, but there is a growing tendency among packers of fruit to have their stamp put upon each package to establish a reputation for fruit packed by them, and the object of the present invention is to provide a comparatively simple automatic machine, capable of enabling brands or distinguishing marks to be distinctly applied to veneer in a green state.

A further object of the invention is to provide pneumatic mechanism for feeding veneer into the machine, adapted to take the veneer from the top of a pile or stack, whereby the veneeris handled with greater facility and rapidity,and without the injury resulting from the feeding of the veneer from the bottom of a pile or stack by mechanical means.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed. February 21, 1908.

Patented Nov, 11, 1913.

Serial No. 417,167.

Another object of the inventionis to provide a veneer branding machine having continuously operating carrying mechanism to convey the veneer to and from the branding die and provided also with means for aresting the progress of the veneer through the machine during the branding operation without stopping the carrying mechanism, whereby a clear and distinct impression is secured with a rapidly operated machine.

The invention also has for its object to provide means for enabling the veneer to be maintained in engagement with the branding dies the necessary length of timeto ob tain a clear impression, and for rapidly moving the veneer out of engagement with the branding dies to prevent the veneer from being drawn across the same, and. smearing or obliterating the impression, or otherwise impairing the distinctness thereof.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consists in the construction and novel combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and pointed out in the claims hereto appended; it being understood that various changes in the form, proportion, size and minor details of construction, within the scope of the invention, may be resorted to without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the in vention.

In the drawings :-Figure 1 is a side-eleva tion of a veneer branding machine, con structed in accordance with this invention. Fig. 2 is a similar view, showing the other side of the machine. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the machine. Fig. 4: is a rear elevation of the machine, the rear veneer-receiving receptacles being removed. Fig. 5 is a central longitudinal sectional view of the same.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged vertical sectional view,

taken substantially on the line 66 of Fig. 2, and illustrating the construction of the oscillatory intermittently operated suction mechanism. Fig. 7 is a detail sectional view, taken substantially on the line 77 of Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is an enlarged transverse sectional view of a portion of the machine, taken Substantially on the line 8-8 of Fig. 5, and

illustrating the construction of the branding mechanism. Fig. 9 is a detail view of the bed plate and the branding dies. Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail sectional view, taken substantially on the line 101O of Fig. 8, and illustrating the construction of the branding mechanism. Fig. 11 is a detail perspective view of the hollow cross head. Fig. 12 is a detail sectional view on the line 1212 of Fig. 10. Fig. 13 is a detail sectional view on the line 1313 of Fig. 10. Fig. 14 is a detail view of one of the perforated covers or plates of the burn-er casing. Fig. 15 is a detail view of a portion of the bed plate, and illustrating the construction for interlocking the burner casings with the bed plate. Fig. 16 is a detail view of one of the crank wheels. Fig. 17 is a detail view of the adjustable sprocket wheel of the gearing for operating the feeding mechanism. Fig.

1 a 0 a I 18 1s a sectional view 01. the same. Fig. 19

is an enlarged detail sectional view, illustrating the manner of slidably mounting the front cross head and the means for connecting the same with the operating gearing and the feeding mechanism.

Like numerals of reference designate cor-- responding parts in all the figures of the drawings.

The veneer to be branded is placed upon a vertically reciprocatable table 1, arranged at a slight inclination and provided with a plurality of longitudinally disposed magazines or compartments 2, adapted to receive sheets 3 of veneer, arranged in the form of a stack or pile, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawings. The machine is shown equipped with five separate veneer-receiving magazines or compartments, and is adapted to brand simultaneously five long narrow strips of veneer, but it will be readily understood that the table may be constructed to accommodate veneer of any size. The magazines or compartments are formed by longitudinal walls or partitions, and are provided with front walls 4, which terminate short of the upper edges of the side walls or partitions.

The table is mounted upon a cross head 5, provided with an inclined upper face to support the table at an inclination and having vertical end flanges 6, extending longitudi nally of the cross head and arranged in vertical guide ways, consisting of slots 7, formed in the sides of the frame of the machine at the front thereof, as clearly illustrated in Figs. 1, 2- and 5 of the drawings. The cross head is also equipped at its ends with horizontal pivots or trunnions 8, and it is connected with crank wheels 9 by adjustable connecting rods 10. The crank wheels, which are mounted on a front transverse shaft 11, are located at opposite sides of the machine, and the adjustable connecting rods are provided with means for varying their length to adjust the table to position the same properly with relation to the feeding mechanism, hereinafter described.

The crank disks or wheels a re provided opposite the wrist pins 12 with heavy or weighted portions 13 for counter-balancing the crank wheels. The counter-balancing weights are formed by increasing the thickness of the heavier half of the wheels, which are equipped with curved guards 14:, secured at their terminals to the weighted portions of the crank wheels in recesses thereof and constituting a portion of the periphery of the crank wheels to prevent the shoulders, formed by thickening the said crank wheels, from coming in contact with the operator, or other person.

The rotary movement of the crank wheels reciprocates the table and carries the veneer to and from the oscillatory feeding device, comprising a hollow transverse vacuum rock shaft or tube 15, a plurality of upper vacuum or suction tubes 16, and a corresponding number of lower telescopic vacuum or suction tubes 17, provided at their lower ends with veneer-engaging feet 18. The hollow shaft 15, which extends across the front of the machine at the top thereof and which rocks or partially rotates, is journaled in suitable bearings 19 and is connected at its ends with fixed vacuum tubes or pipes 20, extending upwardly from the ends of the hollow shaft and then inwardly toward the median line of the machine to a main air trunk 21. The main air trunk 21, which is located above the median line of the machine, may be arranged at any other convenient point and is connected with a rotary exhaust fan (not shown), which exhausts the air in the main air trunk and creates a suction in the vacuum or suction tubes. The shaft 15, wiich is provided adjacent to the inner sides of the bearings 19 with shoulders 22, is extended outwardly beyond the bearings into sleeves 23, having inner attaching portions 24, and provided at their outer ends with annular flanges 25. The lower ends of tie pipes 20 are provided with annular flanges 26, which are secured to the flanges by means of screws 27, or other suitable fastening devices, suitable packings 28 of rubber, or other material being interposed between the flanges 25 and 26. The screws 2? also pierce metallic collars 29, which are fitted against the outer faces of the flanges 26 to reinforce and clamp the same. By this construction air tight joints between the hollow shaft and the vacuum tubes or pipes 20 are provided.

The hollow shaft 15 is provided at the bottom with projecting ribs or bosses 30, and the tubes 16, which depend from the hollow shaft, are provided at their upper ends with flanges 31, secured to the ribs or bosses. by screws or other suitable fastening devices. The depending tubes 16 are provided with reduced lower portions 33 to receive the lower telescopic tubes 17, which are provided at their upper ends with annular flanges or enlargements 34, arranged to engage interior shoulders 35, formed by interiorly reducing the lower portions of the depending tubes. The shoulders serve as stops for limiting the downward movement of thetelescopic tubes, and the tubes 16 and 1? form extensible suction devices, and are adapted to accommodate themselves to the reciprocation of the table with varying quantities of veneer in the magazines thereof. Each foot 18 is in the form of a cap having a reduced upwardly extending threaded portion or neck 86 to screw on the lower end of the telescopic tubes, whereby the foot is attached to the same. The bottom of the foot is flat and is provided with aplurality of apertures 37, through which the air is drawn by the exhaust fan. The suction created by the exhaust fan enables each telescopic tube to securely grip and hold a sheet of veneer. When the table is moved upwardly, the veneer is carried into engagement with the telescopic members of the suction devices, and the top sheets of veneer are retained by the same when the table moves downwardly away from the suction devices.

The oscillatory pneumatic feeding device, which engages the sheets of veneer at a point intermediate of the ends thereof, is swung inwardly or rearwardly to feed or deliver the veneer to the carrying mecha- .nism, which conveys the veneer to the brand ing dies. Motion is communicated from the front of the cross head to the hollow shaft by means of a rod 38 and an arm 39. The

rod is connected at its lower end with a horizontal pivot 40 of the cross head by means of a shankor piece 41 into which the lower end of the rod is screwed, a jam nut 42 being provided to prevent the rod from accidentally unscrewing. The arm 39, which all extends forwardly or outwardly from the hollow shaft, is secured to the latter by means of a clamp 43, and its outer end 4:4: is bifurcated and is provided with opposite bearings to receive a pin or pivot d5, through which the rod 38 passes. The upper portion 46 of the rod is threaded to receive a pair of nuts l7, which adjustably position a cushion 48 on the rod. A metallic washer 49 is interposed'between the nuts and the cushion to form a backing for the latter. The rod 38, which is adapted to slide through the perforation 50 of the pin or pivot 45, carries a coiled spring 51, interposed between the nut t2 and the pin or pivot 45 and arranged to be compressed when the rod moves upward independently of the arm, after the latter has reached the limit of its upward movement. The arm is swung downwardly by the rod 38 to feed the veneer inwardly, and the said rod forms a substantially rigid connection between the feeding device and the gearing during such movement of the former, the buffer or cushion 48 eyes, to which the rear ends of the coiled springs 52 are connected, and the U-shaped frame, which is composed of two short sides and the transverse connecting portion 53, is provided at the latter with depending lugs 55, to which the outer or front ends of the springs 52 are secured. These springs 52 are distended, when the feeding device is swung inwardly or rearwardly, and they asslst in returning the oscillatory feedmg de vice to its initial. position, and for maintaining the same in such position, while the veneer is being carried upward to the telescopic members. The forward or return movement of the oscillatory feeding device is limited by means of a transversely disposed buffer 56, extending across the front of the machine and consisting of a strip of rubber, or other suitable material, mounted in the groove of a channel bar 57. The channel bar 57, which is composed of upper and lower sides or flanges, and a connecting portion, is provided at the said sides or flanges with segmental recesses 58, arranged at in.- tervals and located opposite the tubes 16, and adapted to expose portions of rubber, andto arrange the metallic portions beyond the feeding device to prevent the channel bar from being struck by the tubes 16.

The crank wheels rotate in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 2 of the drawings, and when the wrist pin moves upwardly at the inner or rear side of the crank wheels, the table is moved upwardly and the oscillatory feeding device is moved forwardly, or in the direction of the front of the machine. The oscillatory feeding device is at the limit of its forward movement, and in engagement with the buffer 56, when the table is at the center of its stroke, and the wrist pin is midway between the top and bottom of the crank wheels. Further upward movement of the wrist pin carries the cushion l8 away from the pin or pivot 15, which is engaged and held against downward movement by the spring 51.. The coiled spring 51 gradually increases in tension with the upward movement of the table, and the feeding device held tightly at the limit of its forward movement and is caused to engage the veneer at the same point during each operation of the machine, so that the veneer will be uniformly fed to the carrying means, hereinafter described. totes a yieldable connection between the feeding mechanism and the operating mech anism, while the table is moving upward in- The spring constidependently of the said feeding mechanism. The first half of the downward throw or movement of the connecting rod 10 returns the cushion 48 to the position shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, and the secondhalf swings the feeding mechanism. rearwardly from the forward position illustrated in full lines in Figs. 2 and 5 of the drawings to the dotted position shown in Fig. 5. The first half of the upper throw or movement of the connecting rod swings the feeding mechanism forwardly. The brancing, as hereinafter fully explained, occurs during the second half of the upward stroke or movement of the connecting rod, and the first half of the downward throw or movement, while the feeding mechanism is at the limit of its for ward movement.

Motion is communicated to the shaft 11 by sprocket gearing, consisting of a longitudinally disposed sprocke chain 60, and front and rear sprocket wheels 61 and 62. The front sprocket wheel 61, which is arranged on the shaft 11, is adjustably secured to a disk 68, provided with an annular series of perforations (i l and keyed, or otherwise secured to the shaft 11. The perforations 64: are adapted to receive screws 65, which engage threaded perforations 66 of the sprocket wheel 61. The adjustment of the sprocket wheel 61 enables the feeding mechanism to be operated to feed the veneer at the proper time. Any other suitable means, however, may be employed for adjustably mounting the front sprocket gear on the shaft 11, and if desired, other gearing may be employed for communicating motion to the crank wheels.

The veneer is conveyed to and from the branding mechanism, hereinafter described by means of lower front and rear continuously rotating wheels 67 and 68, arranged in transve se series and mounted on transverse shafts 69 and 70, and cooperating with upper front and rear idlers or gravity wheels 1 and 72. lhe shafts 69 and 70 are journaled in suitable bearings of the sides of the frame, and they are equipped with spur wheels 7 3 and 74, which mesh with a large spur gear wheel 75, mounted on shaft 7 6 and also mesl'iing with a gear 7 7 of counter shaft 78. The shaft 78 is also provided with a pulley 79, which receives a driving belt 80, extending downward through the floor to a suitable driving pulley. The machine will generally be arranged on one of the upper floors of a factory, but it may be operated at any other place, and the driving belt will be arranged to correspond to the position of the machine with relation to the driving shaft. The rear sprocket wheel 9 is mounted on the shaft 76, ant. the gear rotates in the direction of the arrow in Fig. l of the drawings. This rotates the wheels 67 and 68 in the proper direction for carrying the veneer to and from the branding mechanism. The upper flight or stretch of the sprocket chain 60 also travels forwardly or in the direction of the front of the machine, and this secures the operation of the crank wheels heretofore explained.

The front and rear veneer-carrying wheels 67 and 68, which are arranged in spaced relation, as clearly illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4: of the drawin s, extend in advance and in rear of a transversely disposed bed plate 81, and the upper gravity wheels, which yieldably hold the veneer in engagement with the lower positively driven wheels, are journaled between oscillatory arms 82 and 83, arranged in pairs and connected by sleeves, mounted on front and rear transverse rods S-i and 85. The gravity wheels 71 and 72 exert a suficient pressure on the veneer to secure a positive and rapic movement of the same through the machine, when the veneer is free to move, and they enable the movement of t re veneer through the machine to be arrested during the branding operation, as hereinafter explained, without stopping the rotary movement of the carrier wheels 6? and 68. The tensile strength of the veneer is suflicient to enable this result to be accomplished without injury to the material.

The bed plate 81, which extends across the machine, is supported by flanges 86, extending inwardly from the sides of the frame of the machine, as clearly illustrated in 8 of the drawings, and the terminals of the bed plate are secured upon the said flanges by means of screws 87, which pierce the sides of the frame and engage threaded sockets or perforations of the bed plate. The bed plate is provided in its upper face with a depression or recess 88, across which the veneer moves, and into which the veneer is depressed during the branding operation. The front and rear edges of the transversely disposed bed plate are oppositely beveled, and the plate is provided at intervals with circular openings 89, arranged in alinement with the magazines or compartments of the table and in the path of the veneer. The bed plate is provided at each opening 89 with an annular recess 90, forming a seat for an annular flange 91 of a burner casing 92. The burner casing, which depends from the bed plate, is in the form of a pot or receptacle, and is provided in its bottom with a central threaded opening 93, into which a gas supply pipe 94lis screweo, or otherwise secured. The bed plate is also provided at each ooening with a lug or projection 95, formed by a pin and adapted to fit in a corresponding recess 96 of the annular flange 91 of the burner casing, whereby the burner casing is interlocked with the bed plate and held against rotary movement in the opening 89. The

impression.

burner casing is provided at the upper face of the annular flange with an annular recess 97, forming a seat for a perforated plate or cover 98 upon which the branding die 99 is mounted. The plate 98 is in the form of a disk and is provided at its periphery with a recess 100, adapted to be engaged by a projection or stud 101, consisting of a pin mounted on the burner casing at the recess or seat thereof, whereby the die supporting plate is interlocked with the burner casing, and is held against rotary movement. By

interlockingthe burner casing with the bed plate and the die supporting plate with the burner casing, thebranding die is held against accidental rotary movement, and cannot become displaced during the operation of the machine. This will properly place the impression on the sheet with relation to the edges of the veneer passing through the machine. The branding dies may be equipped with any distinguishing marks or devices, or other matter to be printed or branded on the veneer, and they are detachable and interchangeable, and may be readily placed in and removed from the vided with cocks or valves 1041, so that the flow of gas to any of the burners may be stopped or controlled. The transverse pipe 103 is designed to be connected with an ordinary gas supply pipe, but when the machine its operated at places not equipped with gas works, the supply pipe 103 may be utilized for gasolene, or other liquid hydrocarbon fuel, and the machine is equipped with an air pump or compressor 105 for aifording a suflicient supply of compressed air for such purpose. The air pump 105, which is mounted on the frame of the machine at one side thereof, is provided with a piston 106, which is connected with the front cross head 5 by means of a stud or projection 107, extending from one end of the cross head similar to the pivot or projection 40..

The veneer is delivered to the front wheels of the carrying mechanism by the oscillatory feeding device, which introduces the inner end of the veneer between the upper and lower wheels 71 and 67. The veneer is gripped by the front carrying wheels with suflicient force to disengage it from the suction devices, and it is rapidly carriedrearwardly through the machine until its movement' is arrested. The veneer is moved across the top of the bed plate, and during its passage across the recess or depression 1 88, the sheets of veneer are first gripped by a series of clamping plungers 108, located at the rear portion of the bed plate and adapted to arrest the movement of the veneer without stopping the carrying mechanism. The veneer 1s then depressed into the recess by a series of branding plungers 109, which bow or buckle the sheets of veneer and carry the same into contact with the branding dies and hold the veneer against the same a su'lii-- cient length of time to secure a perfect impression or brand. The branding plungers 109 are then moved upwardly out of engagement with the veneer, which, through its resiliency, straightens out and thereby springs out of contact with the branding dies, and effectually prevents the impressions from being streaked or smeared through any movement of the veneer while in contact with the branding dies. This arresting of the movement of the veneer without stopping the mechanism for carrying or feed ing the veneer to the branding mechanism enables a perfect impression to be obtained with a machine operated at a high rate of speed, and a machine of maximum branding capacity is produced, while the cost of branding veneer is reduced to a minimum.

The branding plungers are carried by a vertically reciprocatable hollow cross head. 110, extending across the machine at a point above the bed. plate, and provided with terminal projections 111, arranged in a vertical series at each end of the cross head 110, and slidable in guide-ways 112, consisting of slots formed in the sides of the frame of the machine. The projections are arranged at the upper and lower edges of the cross head 110, and at points intermediate of the same, and the intermediate projections are provided. with horizontal pivots 113, which are connected by adjustable connecting rods 11 1 with eccentrics .115 of the transverse shaft 76. The straps of the eccentrics .115 are rigid with and form a part of the lower ends of the connecting rods 11 1, which are. adapted to be lengthened and shortened to adjust the hollow cross head toward or from the bed plate. By adjusting the cross head upwardly and downwardly through the extensible connecting rods, the branding plunger-s may be caused to engage the stock sooner or later, and thereby enable the brand to be placed at the desired point. This adjustment also regulates the time the veneer remains in contact with thebranding dies. The rotation of the shaft 76 imparts a vertically reciprocatable motion to the cross head, which is arranged horizontallyf The branding plungers consist of squared lower portions 116 and round upper portions 117 the cross head 110 is provided with alined upper and lower rectangular openings 118 and 119, and the branding plungers 109 are guided in the bottom openings 119 and in openings 120 of a top plate 121. The upper rectangular openings are of a size to permit the lower portions of the branding plungers to be passed through them, while the openings 120 of the top plate 121 are of a size to fit the round upper portions or stems of the branding plungers. The branding plungers are also provided at an intermediate point with integral collars enlargements 122, arran 'ed to engage the bottom of the cross head 110, when the latter is moved upward to carry the branding plungers out of contact with the veneer. The hollow rear cross head 110 is also equipped with a bottom plate 123, provided with rectangular openings, which register with the bottom openings of the cross head and cooperate with the same in guiding the lower portions of the guiding plungers. The upper and lower plates 121 and 123, which are secured to the top and bottom of the cross head 110 by screws, or other suitable fastening devices, project rearwardly from the cross head and are provided with upper and lower guide openings 12 1- and 125 for the clamping plungers 108. The round upper portions of the branding plungers receive coiled springs 12, located within the cross head and interposed between the top plate 121 and the shoulders, formed by the collars or enlargements 122 and arranged to yieldably maintain the branding plungers in engagement with the veneer. The tension of the spring increases with the downward movement of the cross head, after the plungers have engaged the veneer and carried the same into contact with the branding dies.

The clamping plunger-s are provided at their lower portions with integral collars or enlargements 127, adapted to rest upon the bottom plate 123 to limit the downward movement of the clamping plungers, and also form shoulders, which are engaged by coiled springs 128, disposed on the upper portions of the clamping plungers and interposed between the collars 127 and the top plate. The lower ends of the clamping plungers extend below the branding plungers, when the said plungers are out of contact with the veneer, and the clamping plungers are thereby enabled to engage and hold the veneer before the same is carried into contact with the branding dies by the plungers 109. The clamping plungers are located above the rear portion of the bed plate and engage the veneer in rear of the branding dies, and they do not release the veneer until the branding plungers, by their upward movement, have permitted the veneer, through its resiliency, to spring out of contact with the branding dies.

The branding plungers 109 are provided at their lower ends with heads 129, which are equipped with front upwardly inclined guides 130 for directing the veneer into the spaces between the branding plungers and the bed plate, should the veneer in its rearward movement come in contact with the guides. The head 129 consists of upper and lower plates secured together by rivets, or other suitable fastening devices, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 10 of the drawings. The upper plate is provided with a rectangular opening 131 to receive the lower end of the branding plungers, which are provided with a reduced portion 132, piercing the lower plate of the head and headed or riveted at the lower face of the same, whereby the plunger heads are secured to the plungers 109. The rectangular opening 131 of the upper plate of the head 129 interlocks the latter with the plunger 109 and prevents the head from rotating on the central integral fastening device 132. The guide, which projects forwardly from the head 129 of each of the plungers, consists of a plate secured to the head 129 and forming the lower face thereof. p

The weight of the hollow cross head and the plungers is counter-balanced by coiled springs 133, located within the hollow cross head at the ends thereof, and disposed on vertical bars or members 134, consisting of rectangular lower portions and round upper portions similar to the branding plungers. The lower squared portions of the bars or members 13st extend through lower rectangular openings of the bottom of the hollow cross head, and rest upon the bed plate at the ends thereof, and are supported by the same. The upper round portions of the bars or members 134 extend through round perforations of the top plate 121, and the springs 123 are interposed between the said top plate 121 and shoulders, formed by the upper ends of the squared portions of the bars or members 134-. The coiled springs are of sufiicient strength to counter-balance the hollow cross head, and enable the same to be readily moved upwardly and down: wardly.

l Vhen the veneer is held stationary by the clamping plungers, the upper gravity wheels come in contact with the veneer and also re main stationary while the lower continuously operated carrying wheels rotate and move over the lower surface of the veneer without actuating the same. As soon as the veneer is released by the clamping plungcrs, the carrying wheels rapidly complete the movement of the veneer through the machine and discharge the veneer upon a rear table- 135, provided with a plurality of compartments 136 corresponding to the compartments of the front table and open at the front and rear ends. The tableis supported back thereof and to the front end of the rear table 135. The rear end of the table is arranged on asuitable support 138, consisting of spaced sides or legs, and a top connecting bar 189, extending across the lower face of the topof the table, y i

The branded veneer projects beyond the rear end of the table to facilitate itsremoval from the compartmentsthereof, and the rearward movement of the veneer is limited by. a plurality of adjustable stops 1&0, consisting of vertical rods depending from a transverse rod 141, which is supported by a pair oflongitudinally adjustablebars 142.1 Thebars 1 12, which are pro vided at their front portions with longitudi nal slots 148, are mounted upon transverse bars or members 14 1- and 145, extending across the tops of the veneer compartments 136 and supported by the walls thereof. The depending rods 140 are moved toward and from the rear ends of the compartments 136 through the adjustment of the bars 142, to arrange them to suit the length of the strips of veneer operated on by the branding machine. The rearwardly projecting portions of the branded veneer are exposed between the rear end of the table and the depending rodsor stops 140, and are adapted to. be conveniently grasped by the operator for removing the branded veneer from the machine. 1

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by LettersPatent, is i i 1. A veneer branding machine including continuously operating veneer carrying mechanism, a table arranged to receive the veneer, an oscillatory feeding device arranged to swing from the table to the carrying mechanism to feed the veneer to the latter, means for branding a distinguishing mark or impression on the veneer, separate means independent of the branding means for clamping the veneer at the face thereof to arrest the movement of the veneer through the machine and to hold the said veneer while the impression or i distinguishing mark is being applied llOlZl'lB same. i

2. A maclnne of the ClEtSSClGSCI'lbGd 1ncludmg continuously operating veneer carrying mechanism, means for holding a stack of sheets of veneer, a feeding device movable backwardly and forwardly between the stack and the veneer carrying mechanism to feed the sheets to the latter, means for branding an impression or distinguishing mark on the veneer while the sameis in the carrying mechanism, separate means 111(l6;

pendent of the branding means for clamping the veneer at the face thereof to arrest the movement of the veneer to'hold the latter while the distinguishing mark or impression her, and an upper idler member for holding the veneer in contact with the continuously rotating member, a feeding dev ce movable baclm ardly and forwardly between the stack and the carrying mechanism for feed ing the veneer between the said members thereof,means for applying a distinguishing mark or impression on the veneer, and separate means for clamping the veneer at the face thereof to arrestthe progress of the veneer to hold the same Without stopping the carrying mechanism while the impression or mark is being applied to the veneer.

l. A machine of the class described com-1 prising means for holding astack of sheets of veneer, carrying mechanism including lower front and rear continuously operating wheels, and front and rear upper gravity acting wheels for maintaining the veneer in contact with the continuously rotating wheels, a feeding device movable back and forth between the stack and the carrying mechanism for feeding the veneer to the front wheels thereof, means located between the front and rear wheelsand movable toward and from the veneer for applying a distinguishing mark or impression to the same, and yieldable means carried by the mark or impression applying means and arranged to operate in advance of the same to clamp the veneer while the mark or impression is being applied.

5. A machine of the class described comprising means for holding a stack of sheets ,of veneer, continumisly operating carrying mechanism including upper and lower front and rear wheels, a feeding device movable back and forth between the stack and the carrying mechanism for feeding the sheets located between the front and rear wheels of the carrying mechanism for applying a distinguishing mark or impression to the sheets of veneer, and separate means for same, a yielding means carried by the mark clamping the veneer at the face thereof to hold the same stationary without stopping the carrying mechanism while the mark or impression is being applied to the veneer.

6. A. machine of the class described comprising means for holding a stack of sheets of veneer, continuously operating carrying mechanism, a feeding device movable back and forth between the stack and the carrying meclninism for feeding the sheets of veneer to thelattcr, a relatively fixed branch ing die located out of the path of the veneer, a support for the branding die, means for heating the branding die, means for of veneer between the front wheels, means ent of the branding means for holding the veneer stationary during the branding operation, and means for causing the veneer out of contact with the die prior the said veneer.

8. A veneer branding machine comprising continuously operating carrying mechani YD, branding mechanism including a relatively fixed branding die located out of the path of the veneer, support for the branding die, and me or heating the branding die, a plunger for pressing the veneer against the die, and separate means for clamping the veneer at the face thereof against the support to hold the veneer stationary without stopping the carrying mechanism during the branding operation.

9. A. veneer branding machine comprising continuo ly operating veneer carrying mechanism, branding mechanism having a supporting surface and including a relatively fixed branding die located out of the path of the veneer, and means for heating the branding die, a plunger for pressing the veneer against the branding die, and a clamping device arranged to engage the face of the veneer to clamp the same against the supporting surface for holding the veneer stationary during the branding operation.

10. in a machine of the class described, the combination with veneer -carrying mechanism, of branding mechanism includ ing a branding die, and means for heating the same, and a plunger for pressing the veneer against the die, and a clamping plunger arranged to engage the veneer prior to the said plunger for holding the veneer stationary during the branding operation, said branding mechanism being also provided with means for disengaging the veneer from the die prior to releasing the said veneer.

11. in a machine of the class described, the combination with a bed plate having a depression or recess, a branding die located within the recess below the top of the bed plate, means for heating the branding die, means for moving the veneer over the depression, and means for forcing the veneer into the depression to carry the former into contact with the branding die, said veneer being thereby buckled or bowed, whereby it is caused to spring out of engagement with the die. i

12. in a machine of the class described, the combination with a bed plate having a depression or recess, of a branding die located in the depression or recess, means for moving the veneer over the depression or recess, means for forcing the veneer into the depression or recess to carry the same into contact with the branding die, and means for clamping the veneer on the bed plate to hold the former stationary during the branding operation, said veneer being buckled or bowed when forced into the depression or recess, whereby it is caused to spring out of engagement with the branding die.

13. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a plate having a depression or recess, a branding die arranged within the depression or recess, means for moving the veneer over the bed plate, a branding plunger for forcing the veneer into the depression or recess to carry the said veneer into contact with the branding die, and a clamping plunger for engaging the veneer to hold the same stationary during the branding operation.

14. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a bed plate having a branding die, veneercarrying means including lower continuously rotating wheels extending in advance and in rear of the bed plate, and upper idlers for holding the veneer in contact with the lower wheels, a branding plunger for pressing the veneer against the die, and a clamping plunger cooperating with the bed plate for clamping the veneer against the bed plate to hold the said veneer stationary during the branding operation.

15. A veneer branding machine comprising veneer carrying mechanism, a branding die located beneath the veneer and having heating means, a vertically reciprocatable plunger located above the veneer and arranged to carry the same into engagement with the branding die, and separate means independent of the plunger for engaging the face of the veneer to clamp the same against a supporting surface to hold the veneer stationary during the branding operation. v

16. A veneer branding machine comprising veneer carrying mechanism, a branding die located beneath the veneer and having heating means, a vertically reciprocating cross head located above the veneer, a yieldably mounted branding plunger carried by the cross head and arranged to press the same against the branding die, and separate means independent of the plunger and carried by the cross head for engaging the veneer at the face thereof to hold the veneer stationary during the branding operation.

the combination with veneercarrying mechanism, of a branding, die located beneath the Veneer and having heating means, a vertically reciprocating cross head located above theveneer, a yieldably mounted branding plunger carried by the cross head and arranged to engage the veneer to press the 1 r same against the branding die, and a yieldably mounted clamping plunger carried by the cross head for engaging and holding the veneer stationary during the branding operation.

18.1n a machine of the class described, the combination vvlth veneer carrylng mechanism, of a brandingdie located beneath the path ofthe veneer, and a vertically movable plunger arranged above the path of the veneer and provided at its lower engaging end With an inclined guide.

19. In a machine of the class described, the

combination with veneer-carrying mechanism, of a branding die located beneath the path of the veneer and having heating means, a reciprocatable plunger located above the path of the veneer and provided at its lower end with an engaging head secured to and interlocked with the plunger, and a guide fixed to the head and having an inclined guiding portion located in advance of the plunger and extending upwardly from the head. a

20. 'Ar veneer branding machine comprising a bed plate having an opening, a casing mounted in anddepending from the open ing, heating means located Within the easing, a branding dislocated above the heat ing means and below the top of the bed plate, and means for flexing the veneer to carry the same into contact With the branding die.

21. A veneer branding machine comprising a bed plate havingan opening, a casing depending fromthe opening, heating means located Within thecasing, a perforated cover for the casing, a branding die supported by the cover below the top of the bed plate, and means for flexing the veneer to carry the same into contact with the branding die.

22. A veneer branding machine comprising a bed plate having a circular opening, a casing mounted in the opening, heating movement, and means tor'fiexing the veneer to carry the same into contact with the 'bifilldlll, dle.

23. In a machine or the class described, the combination of abed plate having a circular opening andprovided wlth a pro- )1 jection, a casing mounted inthe opening and provided with a recess to receive the cover fitted in the casing and having a recess to receive the PIOJQCi'lOll thereof, a

branding die supported by the perforated plate or cover below the top of the bed plate, and means for carrying the veneer into contact with the branding die.

24. In a machine of the class described, the combination with veneer-carrying means, of a branding die located beneath the path of the veneer, a vertically reciprocatable cross head, a brandingplunger carried by the cross head for forcing the veneer into contact with the branding die, a spring for countcrbalancing the weight of theeross head and the plunger, and means for sup porting the sprin 25.1n a machine of the class described, the combination with a plurality of rela tively fixed branding dies, of a vertically movable cross head, a plurality of vertical plungers carried by the cross head, a rod piercing the cross head, a spring disposed on the rod and engaging the crosshead to counter-balance the same, and mechanism for reciprocating the cross head.

a 26. A veneer branding machine comprising a bed plate provided with a plurality of relatively fixed branding dies, mechanism for simultaneously carrying a plurality of sheets of veneer across the top of the bed plate, a reciprocatable cross head located above the bed plate, a plurality oi plungers slidable in the cross head and arranged to force the veneer into contact with the branding dies, springs engaging the plungers and the cross head for holding the plungers ,yieldably in engagement with the veneer,

and means for engaging the upper face 01" the veneer to clamp the same against a supporting surface.

27. In a machine of the class described,

the combination with veneercarrying mechanism, of a bed plate provided with a plurality of branding dies, a reciproeatablc cross head located above the bed plate, a plurality of plungers slidable on the cross head and arranged to force the veneer into contact with the branding dies, and springs engaging the plunger-s and the cross head for holding the plungers yieldably in engagenient with the veneer, said plungers being also provided with means for engaging the cross head for limiting their relative downward movement.

28. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a bed plate provided with a plurality of branding dies, a hollow reciprocatable cross head located above the bed plate, a plurality of branding pluugers piercing the cross head, springs housed within the cross head and engaging the plungers, rods supported upon the bed plate and piercing the cross head, and springs mounted on the rods and also housed within the cross head and engaging the same for counter-balancing the cross head and the plungers.

29. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a bed plate provided with a plurality of branding dies, a recip rocatable cross head located above the bed plate, a plurality of branding plungers carried by the cross head for forcing the veneer against the dies, a plurality of clamping plungers slidably mounted on the cross head and arranged to clamp the veneer against the bed plate, and springs for yieldably holding the clamping plungers in engagement with the veneer.

30. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a bed plate provided with a plurality of branding dies, a reciprocatable cross head located above the bed plate, a plurality of branding plungers carried by the cross head, springs for engaging the plungers and forming yieldable conn-ections between the same and the cross head when the plungers are in engagement with the veneer, rods piercing the cross head, springs mounted on the rods for countor-balancing the cross head, a plurality of clamping plungers carried by and slidably connected with the cross head and arranged to hold the veneer against the bed plate, and springs mounted on the clamping plungers and forming yieldable connections be tween the same and the cross head when the said clamping plungers are in engagement with the veneer.

81. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a bed plate, a plurality of burner casings, burners arranged within the casings, branding dies arranged above the burners below the top of the bed plate, a supply pipe provided with a plurality of branches extending to the said burners, means for carrying the veneer over the bed plate, and means for flexing the veneer to force the same into contact with the branding dies.

32. In a machine of the class described, the combination with veneer-carrying mechanism, of a die located beneath the path of the veneer, a reciprocatable cross head having means for engaging and flexing the veneer for carrying the same into contact with the die, and means for reciprocating the cross head adjustably connected with the same.

33. A veneer branding machine including a bed plate, a die located below the top of the bed plate, mechanism for carrying veneer across the top of the bed plate, a reciprocatable cross head having means for flexing the veneer to depress the same into contact with the die, an eccentric, and adjustable means connected with the eccentric and with the cross head.

A veneer branding machine comprising a frame, a bed plate provided with a plurality of dies, each arranged below the top of the bed plate, mechanism for carrying the veneer across the top of the bed plate, a cross head guided in the frame and .provided with means for flexing the veneer to depress the same into contact with the dies, means for reciprocating the cross head, and means for adjusting the cross head with relation to the dies.

I 35. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a frame, of a die, mechanism for carrying veneer across the die, a reciprocatable cross head having means for engaging the veneer to press the same against the die, a vertically movable table, an oscillatory device for feeding the veneer from the table to the carrying mechanism, means for adjusting the cross head for controlling the engagement of the veneer by the former, and adjustable means for communicating motion to the table and the oscillatory device for feeding the veneer at the proper time.

36. A veneer branding machine including means for holding a stack of sheets of veneer, continuously operating veneer carrying mechanism, a feeding device movable back and forth between the stack and the veneer carrying mechanism for feeding the sheets of veneer to the latter, branding mechanism having heating means and provided with a supporting surface, and means for clamping the veneer at the upper face thereof against the supporting surface to stop the veneer during the branding operation without stopping the carrying mechanism.

37. A veneer branding machine including means for holding a stack of sheetsof veneer, continuously operating veneer carrying mechanism, an intermittently operating feeding device movable back and "forth between the stack and the carrying mechanism to feed the sheets of veneer to the latter, means for branding the veneer while the same is in the carrying mechanism, said branding means having. a supporting surface and separate means for clamping the veneerat the upper face thereof to hold the same against the supporting surface to stop the veneer during the branding operation without stopping the carrying'mechanism.

38. In a machine of the class described, the combination of intermittently operated veneer feeding mechanism, continuously operated veneer-carrying mechanism arranged to receive the veneer from the feedingmechanism, means for branding the veneer, means for heating the branding means, and

means for stopping the veneer during the branding operation Without stopping the carrying mechanism;

89. In a machine of the class described, the combination With veneer carrying mechanism, and means for applying a distinguishing mark or impression to the same, of a table provided With a plurality of V6- neer receiving compartments, a plurality of stops spaced from the compartments and lo- (sated beyond the ends of the table in position for permitting the veneer to project beyond the outer end of the table, a transverse rod supporting; the stops, and means for adjustably connecting therod with the table.

40. In a machine of the class described, the combination With veneencarrying mechanism, and means for applying a distinguishing mark or impression to the same, of a table provided with a plurality of veneerreceiving compartments, a plurality of stops spaced from the compartments and located beyond the end of the table tooause the veneer to project from the end of the latter, a transverse rod supporting the stops, and longitudinal bars or members adjustably connecting the rod with the table.

42. In a machine of the class described,

the combination of a bed plate, carrying Wheels arranged below and no advance and in rear of the bed plate, means for feeding sheets of veneer to the carrying Wheels, a branding die arranged inthe bed plate below the top thereof, and means for forcing the veneer against the die.

1-3. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a relatively fixed bed plate, a branding die seated Within the same below the top surface thereof, means for heating the branding die, the top surface of the bed plate in front and in rear of the die being beveled, and means for feeding veneer across the top of the bed plate.

44. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a bed plate, a branding die seated Within the same, a branding plunger for pressing the veneer against the die, and a separate clamping plunger arranged to engage the upper face of the veneer to clamp the same against the bed plate for holding the veneer at one side of the die.

45. In a machine of the class described,

itial position.

the combination of a bed plate, a branding die seated Within the same, a branding plunger for pressing the veneer against the die, and a separateclamping plunger for holdingthe veneer at one side of the die, the

lower end of the clamping plunger being extended beloivthe lower endof the brand parts are. in their 111- ing plunger When the 46. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a bed plate, a branding die seated in the same below the top sur face; thereof and having heating means, means for feeding veneer tothe bed plate to cause it to extend over and be supported out of contact with the branding die, and

means for flexing the veneer opposite the die into contact therewith, whereby upon reverse movement of the flexing means the veneer through its resiliency springs up- Wardly from the die.

47. A machine of the class described i11- cluding continuously operating veneer carrying mechanism, means for holding a stack of veneer, a feeding device arranged to move back and forth between the stack and the veneer carrying mechanism to feed the veneer to the latter, means movable toward and from the veneer for applying a distinguishing mark or impressionto the same While the latter is in the carrying mechanism, and means carried by the mark or impression applying means and arranged to engage the veneer in advance of the same for holding the veneer stationary While the mark or impression is being applied.

48. A machine of the class described including continuously operating veneer carrying mechanism, means for holding a stack of veneer, a feeding device arranged to move back and forth between the stack and the veneer carrying mechanism to feed the veneer to the latter, means for applymg a distinguishing mark or nnpression on the veneer While the latter is in the carrying mechanism, and separate means for clamping the veneer at the face thereof to arrest the movement of the veneer through the machine and to hold the said veneer While the impression or distinguishing mark is being applied to the same.

49. A machine ofthe class described including continuously operating veneer carrying mechanism, means for supporting a stack of sheets of veneer, a feeding device,

means for moving the feeding device back and forth between the stack and the veneer carrying mechanism to feed the veneer to the latter, means for branding a distinguishing mark on the veneer While the latter is in the carrying mechanism, means for causing the veneer to move out of contact with the branding means, and means for clamping the veneer to arrest the movement of the same through the machine until after the clnding means for holding a stack of sheets of veneer, front and rear carrier Wheels continuously opera-ted for carrying the ve-- neer through the machine, a feeding devlce,

means for moving the feeding device back and forth between the stack and the front carrier Wh els for feeding the veneer to the letter, and means located between the front and rear carrier Wheels for applying distinguishing mark or impression to the veneer.

51. A machine of the class described including means for holding a stack of sheets of veneer, front and rear carrier Wheels continuously operated for carrying the ven'eer through the machine, a feeding device, means for moving the feeding device back and forth between the stack and the front carrier Wheels for feeding the veneer to the latter, means located between the front and rear carrier Wheels for applying a distinguishing mark or impression to the Veneer, and means for clamping the veneer at the upper face thereof to hold the same against a supporting surface While the mark or inipression is being applied to the VGHGEI.

In testimony, that I claim the foregoing my own, I hav hereto afiixed my signa ture in the presence of two Witnesses.

ORIN C. FENLASON.

lVitnesses SAM. L. l VINTER, ALToN KELLOGG.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of latents, Washington, D. C. 

